Month: August 2025

Source:

Lauren Minns, Dereel Fire Brigade

More than 30 women in CFA have recently added trailer reversing and truck driving to their skillset, having taken part in a dedicated Women’s Driving Skills Day in the states’ southwest.

Members from 21 brigades gathered on Saturday, 21 June at the North Geelong Cotton On Headquarters hoping to boost their confidence in operating and handling large vehicles and trailers.

A member survey revealed there was a strong desire among women in CFA’s District 7 to build practical skills in a supportive environment, with operational driving highlighted as a key priority.

Eight volunteer driver educators and CFA District 7 leaders were on hand to assist the guided training, and to encourage progression to more complex manoeuvres once comfortable.

The event, run by CFA’s District 7 Women’s Network, is just one of many development opportunities to strengthen collaboration between members and support the growth of practical skills.

Having just finished her General Firefighter course, participant and Dereel Fire Brigade secretary and firefighter Lauren Minns thought it was the perfect timing to jump in the driver’s seat.

“I’ve been non-operational for three years, so driving a truck wasn’t really on my radar, however having just finished my training, I felt this would be the perfect environment to learn,” Lauren said.

“Since my training sessions, I’ve got a whole new sense of appreciation for how much truck drivers have to think about, and my role as a supporting crew member too, with guiding and reversing.”

The day focused on trailer reversing and tanker driving, with some participants opting to embark on supervised training on the road.

While Lauren has had experience towing horse floats and trailers, she was yet to tackle a vehicle that long before.

“Driving the truck itself was definitely a highlight, because I was pretty nervous about that. I really wanted to give it a go and not walk away from the day having not done it,” Lauren said.

“Heading out on the road wasn’t something I was expecting to achieve that day either. But our driving instructor Stephen was so supportive and so clear with his instructions.

Lauren said the atmosphere was key to their learning, with participants grouped together based on skill level to reduce intimidation.

“I was a total beginner, so having someone who was similar to me in the same group made it less confrontational and it really added to the experience,” Lauren said.

“It was a great opportunity to connect with like-minded people and make new connections.

“Everyone was on a real high. The vibe was chatty, energetic, and I think a lot of people achieved new things and gained a real confidence boost that day.”

CFA South West Volunteer Sustainability Team member Jess Brittain who assisted in delivering the day, said the event was overwhelmingly positive, with more than half of the women expressing interest in taking on driving responsibilities within their brigades.

“It was amazing to see the change in the women as the day went on. You could see some were quite nervous to start, but with support from their peers and the driver educators, everyone gave it a go,” Jess said.

“By the end of the day, the energy had completely shifted. They were proud of themselves and each other, it was so pleasing to see them walk out a bit taller and more confident,” Jess said.

The District 7 Women’s Network will host their next event, a hot fire training day at VEMTC Central Highlands on Saturday, 11 October.

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: NSW Government puts trust in NAB to transform banking and payments

11 08 2025 – Media release

Jimmy Barnes, Working Class Man – Photo by Patrick JonesScreen Australia has announced 30 documentaries that will share in $2.5 million of production and development funding, shaping the next chapter of Australian factual storytelling. The diverse slate highlights a new wave of documentary makers and offers intimate portraits of iconic Australians including Jimmy Barnes, George Miller, Henrietta Marrie AM and Ken Done.
Among the projects are social impact documentaries Liyan: Guided by Horses (working title) and It Starts With Us, both of which shine a light on transformative programs for young Australians. 
Head of Documentary at Screen Australia Richard Huddleston said, “From regional Australia to global war zones, these rich, intimate and unflinching stories open windows into new worlds, explore our rich cultural landscape and help us understand shared challenges – moving us in ways that only documentary can. 
“The calibre of talented emerging creatives we’ve been able to support has been impressive, as is the way many of them are joining forces with more experienced practitioners to achieve their aims. Our sector is ever evolving and this kind of collaborative community, coupled with innovative approaches to distinct Australian storytelling, is why our documentaries resonate with audiences here and around the world.” 
Over the 2024/25 financial year, Screen Australia funded $11 million across 104 documentary projects for production and development. The agency supported a myriad of content that found critical acclaim over the past 12 months. These include Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line and Mozart’s Sister winning two AACTA-Awards, Songs Inside winning the Documentary Australia Award at Sydney Film Festival, Spreadsheet Champions screening at Hot Docs Festival in Canada and SXSW in Austin and Maggie Beer’s Big Mission winning Best Host at the C21 International Format Awards in Cannes. 
On 1 July, Screen Australia launched its updated Documentary Funding Programs tailored to meet industry needs, support practitioners and foster ground-breaking content for years to come.  
Some of the supported projects include:   

Axis of Impersonators: This feature documentary from director/producers Nicholas Coles and Alexis Spraic of The World According to Allee Willis tells the true story of how a Kim Jong-Un impersonator teams up with a Putin impersonator to rescue a Zelensky impersonator from Kyiv after the invasion of Ukraine. Produced by Laura Waters (My Year 12 Life) and Executive Producer Emma Fitzsimons (Together), it is financed in association with VicScreen and the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) Premiere Fund with support from private investment. Local distribution by Mushroom Studios and international sales lead by CAA Media Finance. 

Bukal Bukal: A feature documentary from director Rhoda Roberts AO (In the Gutter? No Way). Written by Roberts and Julie Nihill, Bukal Bukal centres on Yidinji activist Henrietta Marrie AM who reformed the Australian Government and UN to benefit billions of Indigenous people and is now fighting the British Museum to reclaim her family’s stolen artefacts. Produced by Nihill and Yale McGilveray (Changing Tides) with Executive Producers Henrietta Marrie, Susie Montague, Shaun Miller, John Anastasiou and Mitch Stanley, Bukal Bukal is financed with support from philanthropy directly and via Documentary Australia. 

It Starts With Us: A 30-minute documentary from emerging director Amelia Tovey that follows a group of teenagers in a ground-breaking high-school program for kids at risk of family violence. With mentors such as Rosie Batty, the program uses art to unpack social pressures that lead to violence. The documentary is produced Sophia Marinos (Namatjira Project), with producer Larissa Behrendt (One Mind, One Heart) and Executive Producers Genevieve Dugard and Deanne Weir (The Wolves Always Come  at Night). It is financed with support from WeirAnderson Foundation, Shark Island Foundation, Nelson Meers Foundation and Respect Victoria. Developed with support from Screen NSW.

Mad Max and the Genius of George Miller: A feature film from Serendipity Productions in association with Yuzu Productions that tells the improbable story of how a 1970s Australian film grew into the country’s biggest ever cultural export. Produced by Margie Bryant (Knowing the Score) and directed by Chris Eley (Australia: An Unofficial History) it captures how George Miller’s singular cinematic vision influenced global cinema and set him on an unlikely journey to the pinnacle of Hollywood success. It is financed with support from Screen NSW, who also supported post, digital and visual effects.

Liyan: Guided by Horses (working title): Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Kimberley, this feature documentary from director Sean O’Reilly (Intersection) is a heartwarming and timely story of reconnection. At the heart of it is a group of young people, nurtured within a one-of-a-kind sanctuary using horses as powerful guides, pioneered by Aboriginal researcher Professor Juli Coffin. This documentary is produced by O’Reilly with Professor Juli Coffin and Sophy Crane. It is executive produced by Hunter Page-Lochard, Huna Amweero, Daniel Gordon, Mark Coles Smith and Stephen Page. 

A Year at Yumburra: A feature documentary from writer/director Grace McKenzie (In the Land of Wolves) based on Dark Emu author Bruce Pascoe’s book – Black Duck: A Year at Yumburra. The film is produced by Tom Zubrycki (Ablaze) and chronicles the seasons of Yumburra farm in Gippsland where Bruce and his partner run Black Duck Foods. It is financed in association with VicScreen. Local distribution from Madman Entertainment.

The Northern Run: A feature documentary from GoodThing Productions directed by Rhian Skirving (Off Country) and Bill Bleakley about six young Australian bull riders as they travel to North West Queensland to compete for a spot in the largest and richest rodeo in the southern hemisphere. The project is produced by Charlotte Wheaton (Spreadsheet Champions) and Nick Batzias (Ellis Park) and is financed in association with VicScreen with support from Screen Queensland. 

Working Class Man: A feature documentary from CJZ commissioned by the Seven Network that tells the wild journey of one of Australia’s true rock’n’roll legends Jimmy Barnes. Directed by Andrew Farrell who worked as Executive Producer on Working Class Boy and written by Anthony Griffis (Mythbusters), this follow-up to Working Class Boy is an honest reflection on success, fame, addiction and family told through Jimmy’s eyes with his trademark honesty and insight. Farrell and Griffis are producing with Executive Producer Matt Campbell (Working Class Boy). Post, digial and visual effects are supported by Screen NSW. 

Ken Done: From director and producer Ivan O’Mahoney (Unbreakable – The Jelena Dokic Story) and award-winning journalist Gabriella Coslovich comes this feature documentary from In Films centred on the renowned artist’s life, career and transformation from an award-winning adman to an artist who helped shape the world’s view of Australia. Ken Done is financed with support from Screen Queensland and Shark Island Foundation.

Replica: An observational feature documentary from writer/director Chouwa Liang (My AI Lover) exploring the growing trend of Chinese women turning to AI chatbots for romance and companionship. The film is co-directed by Shannon Owen (Left Write Hook) and produced by Andy Huang (My AI Lover), and co-produced by by Christilla Huillard-Kann and Liang, with Stephen Luby (The Hunt: In Search of Australia’s Big Cats) on board as Executive Producer. Replica is developed with support from Screen Queensland. 

Funding was also provided to Mint Pictures’ series for the ABC – When The War is Over – previously announced by the broadcaster and presented by Rachel Griffiths. 
The full list of documentary blocklines is available here. The latest projects funded for documentary development are available here.  
For accompanying image assets, click here.

Axis of Impersonators
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested three male offenders in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Nightcliff early this morning.

Around 3:50am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report of an aggravated robbery at the Nightcliff Jetty.

A 25-year-old male victim alleged three males had threatened him with an edged weapon before stealing his friend’s vehicle keys. The offenders subsequently fled the scene in the friend’s silver Nissan Pulsar.

Neither victim was injured during the incident.

Multiple police units responded and commenced investigations. At 5am, members from Strike Force Trident located the vehicle in Eaton and arrested three males aged 13, 15, and 19-years-old. They remain in custody with charges expected to follow.

Police urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P25212647. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating a structure fire that occurred in Numbulwar yesterday morning.

Around 7:15am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report that a building at a school in Numbulwar was on fire.

Local police attended the scene and extinguished the fire. A large shed and two vehicles were destroyed by the fire, and an adjoining building also sustained damage. Neither building was occupied, and no injuries were reported to police.

Northern Territory Fire Investigators, Katherine CIB detectives and Police Forensic are in the community conducting enquires.

At this stage the fire is being treated as suspicious and a crime scene has been established while investigations are ongoing.

Police urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P25211781. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/. 

Source: Mental Health Australia

Vision of near-miss incidents on the NSW light rail network is being released today to mark the 20th annual Rail Safety Week starting Monday and running 11 – 17 August.

The CCTV footage from onboard light rail vehicles in Sydney, the Eastern Suburbs, Parramatta and Newcastle shows the vulnerability of pedestrians, bike riders and people on mobility scooters around trams.

As NSW motorists continue to adjust to light rail vehicles being back on the network, vision shows cars and motorbikes crossing the path of trams in near-misses that could have easily ended in injury or worse.

There were more vehicle near-misses on the new Parramatta Light Rail system over the past 12 months than other lines as the community in Western Sydney adjusts to the new format.

Read the full media release here (PDF, 101.82 KB).

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating a property damage incident that occurred in Katherine early this morning.

Between about 4:30am and 4:45am, a group of unknown youths reportedly smashed a window at a café on Katherine Terrace before fleeing the scene.

Upon arriving to work at the café an hour later, a 49-year-old male was allegedly threatened and chased by a group of up to seven adult males that had been causing a disturbance nearby. It is alleged some members of the group threw rocks at the victim and others caused damage to his car. The offenders fled the area prior to police arrival.

The victim was uninjured, and police are investigating if the two incidents are linked.

Investigations remain ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference NTP2500079748. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: New South Wales – News

Just after 12pm Saturday 9 August, police were called to Hermann Thumm Drive after a car and motorbike collided.

Traffic is impacted on Hermann Thumm Drive while police investigate the crash. Please avoid the area.

Major Crash Investigators are attending the scene.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on the Stuart Highway yesterday.

Around 2:55pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report of a single vehicle crash on the Stuart Highway, about 21km north of Threeways Roadhouse.

A southbound vehicle had reportedly rolled, and a male and female were trapped inside. Several motorists passing by stopped to render assistance.

Emergency services attended, and both the 73-year-old male driver and 66-year-old female passenger were pronounced deceased at the scene. Next of kin were notified in the early hours of this morning.

A crime scene has been established, and one lane of the Stuart Highway is open to allow for traffic flow while investigations are ongoing.

Detectives from the Major Crash Investigation Unit urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25211011.

The lives lost on Territory roads now stands at 26.

Source: New South Wales – News

Police and emergency services are responding to a serious crash at Western Flat.

At 8pm Friday 8 August, police and emergency services were called to Naracoorte Road, about 25 km south of Bordertown, following reports a car had collided with a tree.

Naracoorte Road is closed between Broadview Road and Dunstall Road while Major Crash investigators make their way to the scene.

Road users are asked to avoid the area.

Source: New South Wales – News

About 6.30pm on Friday 8 August, a pedestrian was hit by car on Poyntz Terrace (the Dukes Highway), Coonalpyn.

The pedestrian, a 34-year-old local man, sustained serious leg injuries and was taken to the local hospital before being airlifted to Adelaide.

His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening at this time.

The car, possibly a BMW, did not stop at the scene and likely headed in the direction of Keith or Bordertown.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has any dashcam or CCTV footage that may assist police to identify the vehicle involved is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au